7/24/2012

Probably the weirdest interview that I have ever had

I have been interviewed by Howard Stern, and I thought that was pretty strange. This interview was even more bizarre. Mediaite has the entire 16 minute video available here (please scroll down the page part way). How does Mediaite describe the interview:

Morgan kept grilling Lott over his premise that gun control will not help stem violence, and that having more guns out there will lead to less crime. Lott tried to rebut the points Dershowitz and Morgan were making, but Morgan repeatedly interrupted him to get Lott to answer his questions and telling Lott that he was spouting “nonsense.”Lott tried to explain the difference between semi-automatic and automatic weapons to Morgan, while Morgan and Dershowitz argued that civilians should not be allowed access to guns with that speed and ammo capacity. Another point Lott tried to make during the interview was that while England has less gun deaths per year than the United States, they had much less before they implemented gun control. . . .

You can see what Piers' own viewers thought of the interview right here. Their discussion of the interview is quite interesting. Dershowitz's comments are reported to some degree at CNN available here. It also has more viewers' thoughts on the interview.Dershowitz claimed that "Your conclusions are paid for and financed by the National Rifle Association" or "This [my research] is junk science at its worst. Paid for and financed by the National Rifle Association" or that "It [the NRA] only funds research that will lead to these conclusions."

Ratings: CNN in general did better than usual for this show. Morgan got

1,023,000 total, 514,000 in the demo.One of the comments that I got after the show due to Dershowitz's attacks.

Here is a CNN transcript, though it does not catch the full flavor of the debate.

15 Comments:

I always watch you when you are on tv, but that was insufferable. How did you A) not remove the mic and go home mid-way through, or B) punch Morgan? I wanted to slug him and he wasn't being condescending and insulting to me. You have written more books than he has read, and that was obvious. Henceforth, avoid CNN like the rest of America does.

I was sorry you had to sit through that. That was painful and infuriating. You have written more books that Morgan has read, and his ignorance shines through. Dershowitz was his typical pompous self. Henceforth, avoid CNN like the rest of America. God speed.

It must have been really frustrating for you, but you should feel good about yourself. You seemed reasonable, and they seemed like jackasses. You helped inform the audience both about the issue and the ridiculous hyperbole on the Left.

I caught the interview on its rerun as I was trying to fall asleep last night. It was by and large the most awkward interview I've seen in recent memory. Your statement in that Piers was filibustering was dead-on. I'm glad you mentioned Israel in a counter statement in regards to weapons ownership. Israel is a country where you have a citizen army. A place where one isn't surprised to see males and females totting M4s and M16s on their back ordering McDs.

If someone with a Concealed Carry License had been allowed in that theater in Aurora (and @ Columbine, Ft. Hood, and @ Luby's), a lot less good people would be dead and wounded now.

Mayor Bloomberg (who calls for the NYPD to go on strike until there are even harsher restrictions on gun ownership BY LAW ABIDING CITIZENS) should give up his 24/7 armed guards (paid for by the taxpayers), and put this bumper sticker on his SUV:

http://i.imgur.com/lxPoG.gif

And anyone who still believes that criminals aren't the problem but guns are, then put this on the front door of your home and at your place of business:

Great interview. You really held your own. I got the distinct impression that Morgan and Dershowitz expected to ambush you and intimidate you into submission. It didn't happen. I loved the zingers you threw in right over Dershowits and the Israel stats you threw back when he tried to disrespect Switzerland.

If I were an unbiased observer I would have given you the vitory. If I had been the anti-gun choir, I'd give it to morgan, but that is because they simply agree when he said you were basically nuts.

Great interview. You really held your own. I got the distinct impression that Morgan and Dershowitz expected to ambush you and intimidate you into submission. It didn't happen. I loved the zingers you threw in right over Dershowits and the Israel stats you threw back when he tried to disrespect Switzerland.

If I were an unbiased observer I would have given you the vitory. If I had been the anti-gun choir, I'd give it to morgan, but that is because they simply agree when he said you were basically nuts.

Good GOD that was painful to watch. I'm surprised you endured that so well. I would expect someone in the media to be much more professional, level headed and less abusive than that. And then they go on saying you've had AMPLE time to respond...uhm...when? Good GRIEF! That ranting was unbelievable and completely unbalanced and ridiculous.

I sent this via Dershowitz's website contact page:Mr. Dershowitz, I am a fan. I have read, referenced and evangelized many of your works throughout the years in discussions and forums of all kinds, in person, email, message boards and study groups. I want to personally thank you for your efforts and dedication to your art and profession, it has helped me formulate my own views and opinions.That being understood, I was profoundly saddened by your demeanor and rhetoric on CNN's Pierce Morgan program, towards Mr. Lott. You referred to his work as "junk science" and provided no science of your own. You mocked Mr. Lott by advising him that his position would not work in a court of law. That may be so, however it is speculation. What is certain is that time and again, the Supreme Court(s) have indeed, ruled against your assertions and opinions regarding the 2nd Amendment.

I would hope that in the future, you will exhibit more calm on this hot button topic. As a fan, you did not promote your own values and ideals by speaking over Mr. Lott. As a fan I hope you consider this viewpoint as constructive and destructive.

I too caught that segment on CNN, and I was disgusted by the immature conduct of both Morgan and Dershowitz. So much for Robert's Rules of Order. One must wonder if Dershowitz conducts himself in such a fashion in front of a judge?

It was obvious that you were frustrated and upset Dr. Lott, but I commend you on your discipline and outstanding behavior in this matter.

Take a critical thinking course Piers. Making decisions and comments while emotional is irrational. John tried to use logic during the interview but was interrupted by Piers emotional comments. I wanted to hear the statistics to make my own conclusion but was unable to due to the abrupt behavior displayed by Piers. I would like for John Lott to have re-interview by a news network that is fair; an interview in which he has the opportunity to explain the facts.

Making decisions and comments while emotional is irrational. John tried to use logic/facts during the interview but was interrupted by Piers emotional comments. I wanted to hear the statistics by John to make my own conclusion but was unable. I would like for John Lott to have re-interview by a news network that is fair; an interview in which he has the opportunity to explain the facts.